The Dutch Shepherd Dog Community

The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a versatile, highly capable herding and working breed developed in the Netherlands in the nineteenth century, originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog capable of herding livestock, guarding property and serving as a general working companion across the varied demands of Dutch rural life. Today the Dutch Shepherd is less well known as a family companion than its close relative the German Shepherd but is widely respected among working dog enthusiasts, police and military trainers, and dog sport competitors for its exceptional working ability, intelligence and trainability. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Group, it remains relatively rare in the UK compared to its German cousin. The Dutch Shepherd is distinguished from the German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd breeds by its characteristic brindle coat, which comes in three varieties corresponding to three distinct coat types: short, long and rough (wire). The brindle pattern ranges from gold to silver brindle and is the defining visual characteristic of the breed. All three coat types are recognised and each has its own grooming requirements. In build the Dutch Shepherd is a well-balanced, medium to large dog - muscular, athletic and built for sustained work. Adult males typically stand 57 to 62 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 23 to 30 kilograms. The overall impression is of a capable, alert, purposeful animal. The character is that of a serious working dog. The Dutch Shepherd is highly intelligent, alert, confident and deeply loyal to its handler. It is driven and focused in a way that makes it exceptional at working tasks but demanding in a domestic setting. It needs a purpose - training, sport, working activities or a combination of all three. A Dutch Shepherd kept purely as a pet without sufficient physical and mental engagement will become frustrated, difficult and potentially destructive. The breed has a naturally high prey drive and protective instincts that require thorough early socialisation and ongoing management. Well-bred, well-socialised and well-trained Dutch Shepherds are stable, confident and reliable working dogs. The breed is not naturally aggressive, but it is assertive and capable. Training potential is among the highest of any breed. Dutch Shepherds excel in protection sport (IPO/Schutzhund), agility, obedience, search and rescue, police and military work. The combination of intelligence, drive, physical capability and handler focus makes them exceptional at virtually any working task they are trained for. This working capability is what makes experienced ownership essential - the same qualities that make them outstanding working dogs make them very demanding to manage without skill and commitment. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the primary health concerns and both parents should be tested before breeding. The breed has generally maintained better structural health than the German Shepherd, partly because the extreme sloped topline that has contributed to German Shepherd health problems is absent in the Dutch Shepherd standard. Purchase prices from reputable UK breeders range from £800 to £1,800. Monthly running costs average £110 to £180. The Dutch Shepherd Dog Club UK is the primary resource for breed information, responsible breeders and rescue contact.